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FFA reiterates support for NSW stadium redevelopment

Football Federation Australia (FFA) has reiterated its support for the redevelopment of major stadia in New South Wales.

FFA chief executive David Gallop said sporting infrastructure was an important component of the State’s cultural and economic life. He said while essential services like health, education and transport rightly received the vast majority of public funding, it also made sense to invest in projects that contributed towards other aspects of life like sports, major events and the arts which brought communities together.

“We encourage bi-partisan political support for the redevelopment of New South Wales’ major stadia. As an organisation that regularly organises major events and is currently bidding to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, purpose built rectangular stadia with facilities matching those in other stadia around the country will be ideal for football fans and deliver significant economic benefits through interstate and international visitation. This was the experience from the 2015 AFC Asian Cup along with the recent FIFA World Cup Qualification Play-Offs,” Gallop said.

“The new Western Sydney Stadium will be a focal point for that community and is well into its construction – we are proud that the success of the Western Sydney Wanderers has driven this outcome. Across town Sydney FC and football have delivered higher attendance figures at Allianz Stadium and its rebuild is long overdue.

“The rebuild of ANZ Stadium into a premier large scale rectangular major stadium will put NSW in a stronger position to acquire major events in an increasingly competitive national and regional market. Football has regularly delivered attendances of more than 50,000 people at ANZ and these big crowds deserve a better viewing experience. FFA had previously reached in-principle agreement to extend its current partnership with Destination NSW by a further 10 years on this basis. We look forward to the rebuild of ANZ Stadium being formally confirmed and committed so that negotiations to conclude this extension can commence,” concluded Gallop.